The East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is set to break a new record for visitor numbers during this year’s Santa Specials.
Nearly 20,000 passengers have so far booked on the Santa Trains with some services now sold out.
Andy Morris, East Lancashire Railway’s General Manager said:
‘The number of bookings coming in for the 2011 season is already surpassing last year’s Santa Specials which in itself saw record numbers of over 27,000 visitors, making it the ELR’s the most popular Santa event to date.’
No festive season at the East Lancashire Railway would be complete without the Santa Specials. Families travel from all over the North West to the railway to enjoy what has become an annual Christmas tradition for many.
This year’s steam-hauled trains run every weekend from 26 November to 18 December plus 21-24 December 2011. Tickets are pre-booking only and include a return steam-train ride from Bury to Ramsbottom, a present for each child, a mince pie and festive tipple for adults, free entry to Bury Transport Museum and all the entertainment on the day.
The bumper results follow the record visitor numbers for East Lancashire Railway’s Halloween Ghost Trains in October which saw an increased service and nearly 3,000 passengers flocking to the railway to travel the scary ghost trains. This year’s passenger figures compare to 1,100 visitors in 2010.
Customers for the Santa Trains are being advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Discounted tickets are still available for the weekend 26 and 27 November. To book, please visit www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk or call 0161 764 7790. Lines are open 7 days a week, 10am – 4pm.
